The South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) will conduct a R196-million special maintenance project on the N2 between the Gamtoos and Van Stadens rivers, in the Eastern Cape.

The project is expected to be completed by December 2023 and will include resurfacing of the 19 km stretch of road, as well as repairing the pavements.

The various contractor packages will be advertised soon, Sanral says.

This stretch of the N2 carries about 8 000 vehicles a day, with trucks accounting for just over 1 200 vehicles a day, according to traffic count data.

Sanral Southern Region stakeholder coordinator Welekazi Ndika says the agency recognises the important and continuous role that it plays in developing the infrastructure of the national road network, creating job opportunities for local community members and developing skills in the region.

“We want the community of Kouga local municipality to benefit immensely from this project. Designated groups from previously disadvantaged communities will be targeted to work on the project. This includes young people, women and people with disabilities,” she says.

The project was handed over to the main contractor in June. The project is currently in the mobilisation phase, during which the appointed contractor on the project will interact with the community and set up contract participation goals.

This is the amount that will be allocated to the development of small, medium-sized and microenterprises (SMMEs) in the area. This interaction usually takes place over three months, Ndika explains.

During an engagement session with SMMEs, Ndika presented Sanral's 14-point plan, which strives to ensure transparency and inclusivity among those who work on its projects.

“It is also our aim that, when this project starts, we will already have established a project liaison committee (PLC). The PLC will assist in ensuring better communication and transparency as well as ensuring that work done is done seamlessly on this project.

“The PLC will also assist in creating a platform for project liaison, works execution, subcontracting and facilitating employment opportunities for local community members. All community representatives, including the youth, women, people with disabilities and military veterans, must be represented in the PLC,” she says.

“On behalf of the community of Kouga, we thank Sanral for bringing these opportunities to our people. By bringing these kinds of opportunities, our communities will be given an opportunity to participate in economic endeavours.

“These projects should also help to uplift our communities through social projects, reinvest in our communities and assist through these social projects,” says Links Khoisan Council in Kouga chief Wayne Peterson.

Since introducing its transformation policy and Horizon 2030 Strategy, Sanral has empowered local communities and SMMEs with information and opportunities, enabling them to partner with more established construction companies on its projects.

The agency strives to strengthen its relationship with stakeholders affected by its projects through information sessions, Ndika says.